The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival is excited to inaugurate its 26th season with a special Mother’s Day program featuring the acclaimed Ariel Quartet – taking place on Sunday, May 12th at 4 pm at Christ Episcopal Church in Cooperstown.
Ariel Quartet (PC Marco Borggreve).
Renowned for their passionate performances and remarkable artistry, the Ariel Quartet will surely captivate the Cooperstown audience with a program featuring Ravel’s evocative String Quartet and Schumann’s masterful String Quartet No. 3. Attendees will also indulge in classic French madeleine cookies, adding sweetness to the occasion.
Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area for decades. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter and Jasper, String Quartets, and more. Concerts are held in venues across Cooperstown, including the grand Otesaga Hotel, The Farmers’ Museum, and Christ Church, the church of author James Fenimore Cooper.
We’re delighted to present the Ariel Quartet for this special event. Schumann’s quartet with its ‘Clara motif’ expressing his deep love for his wife, is a fitting choice for Mother’s Day. Clara Schumann was a remarkable woman and modern-day inspiration who balanced a thriving career as a touring concert pianist and celebrated composer with managing a household and their eight children. Clara’s motif is a testament to her enduring influence on her husband’s life and music.
Linda Chesis, Artistic Director of CSMF.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the festival and celebrate Mother’s Day with music,” said the members of the Ariel Quartet. “We look forward to sharing our love of chamber music and honoring the mothers who have enriched our lives.”
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased in advance either online or over the phone by calling Purplepass Tickets at 800-316-8559 and selecting Option 1. Please note there is a $2 service fee per phone order. Tickets will also be sold at the door, as available.
Gem Radio Theatre, dedicated to reviving the golden days of radio by bringing classic favorites to the stage, will hold “History Tea” on Sunday May 5 at Garnet Hill Lodge in North River, NY.
The sixth annual event, History Tea is presented as a live event featuring stories of famous and infamous characters, all with connections to the Adirondacks. Actors for this event hail from the North Country towns of North Creek, Chestertown, Minerva, Indian Lake, and North River.
In addition to this event, Gem Radio Theatre will host an annual Graveyard Walk in the Town of Johnsburg for History Weekend in September.
The history-laden event will begin at 2pm on Sunday, May 5. The cost is $20 per person and reservations are recommended – call 518-251-2444. Garnet Hill Lodge is located at 39 Garnet Hill Road, North River.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will perform “Other Worlds”, featuring superheroes, fantasy, and Sci-Fi soundtracks, at the Broome County Forum Theatre in Binghamton on May 4.
The dazzling display of film and TV soundtracks from the best in fantasy and sci-fi, along with special musical appearances from the Marvel and DC cinematic universes will be led by Maestro Daniel Hege. Daniel is a Philharmonic who will play the scores of genre favorites like Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and Avatar, as well as contemporary classics such as Wonder Woman and Black Panther.
The concert will be preceded by the unveiling of the Philharmonic’s new bass drum, which was designed by ErgoSonic Percussion. ErgoSonic President Ken Turner and Principal Percussionist Sam Lazzara will present this special drum, which is acoustically constructed to match the requirements of the orchestra, at 6:30 p.m. on the Forum stage. They will also dedicate it to the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Binghamton.
The Philharmonic will be honoring first responders, as the Sponsored Nonprofit for the performance. With the kind assistance of IBM, the Philharmonic’s Community Engagement and Education Sponsor, will offer free tickets to members of the local police, fire, ambulance, and emergency medical technician departments as well as their families.
Tickets are $25 to $65. Kids 17 and under attend free. For more information, Fans can contact the Binghamton Philharmonic Box Office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
Saratoga Springs music venue Caffe Lena has announced their top picks for the month of May. From May 1 to 31 Caffe Lena sees a massive lineup of shows and performers for the community to enjoy.
Caffe Lena is a well-known host of talent for the Upstate New York community. Various walks of life see the stage at this venue through a wide range of genre and background. The venueâs mission is to keep a diverse set of programs and artists, regardless of fame, to present to the community. Caffe Lena is where musical discovery begins on all fronts. All shows held in-person in Lenaâs historic listening room are also streamed live to living rooms around the world.
In May, the venue showcases a lengthy, talent-packed lineup of shows including musical performances, poetry open mic nights, and more. Genres like folk, bluegrass, jazz and roots are showcased this May along with songwriting workshops, poetry nights, and kids club concerts. There’s something for all members of the community this month.
Caffe Lena’s Top Shows for May
May 1 – 7 PM Poetry Open Mic Night feat Darcy Smith
May 2 – 7 PM Kruger Brothers
May 3 – 8 PM Dan Navarro
May 7 – 7 PM Live Stream: Storytelling Night feat Miki Conn
May 11 – 8 PM Bandits on the Run
May 12 – 7 PM Peter Rowan
May 17 – 8 PM Ana Egge
May 22 – 7:30 PM Willi Carlisle
May 30 – 7 PM Abigail Lapell
For more information on Caffe Lena’s upcoming dates and performers, click here.
The Ashokan Center has announced they are hosting a special public concert featuring the celebrated Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas Duo on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 3:00 PM.
They will be joined by fiddler Emerald Rae and cellist Summer McCall, as well as Ashokan Music and Dance Camp founders Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, in a musical program that explores the emotional and chronological range of traditional Scottish music.
Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas Duo.
The Ashokan Cenuper is a unique non-profit organization with a 55-year history of youth outdoor education and 42 years of cultural preservation at summer Music & Dance Camps for adults and families. They have recently expanded outreach to offer local in-school and after-school arts and nature programming and increased access to their 385 acres of forests through guided hikes, day passes, and community events. The Ashokan Center has been a registered Historic Landmark since 2016.
The Sunday afternoon concert will conclude the Ashokan Center’s eleventh annual Scottish String Fling weekend, where fiddlers and cellists learn tunes by ear – initiated by Fraser in 2014. It is part of a decades-long tradition of music and dance camps founded by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason at the Ashokan Center and is one of many music camps created and led by Fraser over the decades — including the Valley Of The Moon Fiddle Camp in the Santa Cruz mountains of northern California, where Fraser first met an eleven-year-old budding cellist named Natalie Haas in 1995.
“It was just a life-changing experience for me,” says Haas. “It’s where I discovered traditional music.” Today, Natalie Haas is a world-renowned and highly in-demand performer and educator in her own right, and the Fraser/Haas duo partnership has endured for more than twenty years, through six acclaimed recordings and countless performances at concerts and festivals worldwide.
The strength of a duo is amazing; you can sort of ‘live’ ideas together, and I’m lucky to be playing with someone who is so simpatico. Every concert we do celebrates the music and its power to transport, to lift us… and we are highly likely to be test-driving new arrangements, new ideas, surging on forwards.
Alasdair Fraser.
Alasdair Fraser is one of the greatest carriers of the Scottish fiddle music tradition with expressive playing, mastery of his instrument, and deep understanding of his native music. Since 2003 Fraser has thrilled audiences internationally with their virtuosic playing, their near-telepathic understanding, and the joyful spontaneity and sheer physical presence of their music.
Natalie Haas is one of the most sought-after cellists in traditional music today. She and Fraser have toured as a duo for over twenty-three years, wowing audiences at festivals and concerts worldwide with their unique sound. A Juilliard grad with decades of touring and collaboration experience, she is an expert teacher and guide for cellists looking to support and shine.
Joining the duo is Summer McCall, a Celtic cellist, fiddler, and dancer and Emerald Rae, an American Fiddler & Folksinger with powerhouse vocals, groovy percussive fiddle, and eclectic songwriting style.
When possible, the Ashokan Center tickets work on sliding scale admission. Tickets to this concert start at $20 for the suggested price and $10 as the minimum price per ticket for all-age tickets. For more information about the Ashokan Center, visit here.
Borderland Festival is back and bigger than ever. This September 13–15, the festival, which is celebrating its sixth year at the lovely Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, New York, offers three days of music, artisanal wonders, and delicious local food.
Located in the center of Knox Farm State Park, the Borderland Festival continues to be legendary. It’s no wonder fans travel from all over to witness the magic firsthand given the venue’s breathtaking setting, diverse lineup, and enticing atmosphere.
Now, let’s talk about the big names. First up, the legendary Black Crowes, who have been off the stage for four years, are proudly returning. Rising stars of the indie-folk scene, Caamp, joins them in the spotlight.
Photo by – Tobin Voggesser
Borderland is all about showcasing the greatest talent, both nationally and locally. Fans can anticipate the country’s most authentic Grateful Dead show, Dark Star Orchestra, big-band extraordinaire Cory Wong, and the southern-rocker Marcus King.
Together with national touring acts like Houndmouth, Sierra Hull, Eggy, and The Dip, reggae legends The Wailers are making their awaited return to East Aurora, as are The Wood Brothers and The Sheepdogs. Not to mention, Grammy-nominated NOLA roots group The Rumble.
Photo by – Tobin Voggesser
Let’s not forget our local heroes, who stand by the thriving music scene in Western New York. These hometown favorites, which range from Handsome Jack to Annie In the Water, are bound to raise the roof and proudly represent the community.
Presale tickets go live on Friday, April 26 at 10am. General on-sale follows at 12pm. If you want to extend your stay over the weekend, Kissing Bridge Ski Resort offers camping options.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced “Beethoven For Three” featuring Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma. The show takes place August 25 at 3 pm in the 500-seat Spa Little Theater. Proceeds from the performance will go toward establishing a programming fund for the Theater, SPAC’s year-round performance home.
Beethoven For Three features Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma in Beethoven’s Piano Trio No. 6. The trio is joined by special guest, Antoine Tamestit. Together, the group will then perform the monumental “Eroica” Symphony No. 3 reimagined for four players, in an intimate arrangement that maintains the power and immediacy of Beethoven’s orchestral work.
The show also presents a new opportunity for performers and listeners to examine the boundaries between musical genres, and how musicians can collaborate freely and creatively. The trio’s previous tours and recordings on Sony Classics have been met with rave reviews around the world. This is by no means a show to miss.
Spa Little Theater at SPAC
All tickets purchased for this event support SPAC’s efforts to provide year-round programming for the community in Spa Little Theater. Tickets go on sale April 25 at 10AM. SPAC Member presales begin on April 22 and April 23, tiered by membership level. Tickets are $500, of which $150 is a tax-deductible donation.
“One of the things that has separated people since recording began is the categories that we put people in, in which chamber musicians, orchestra players, people who play concertos, people who do transcriptions, people who compose, people who conduct, are all viewed as separate categories with no overlap. That siloed thinking discourages actual creativity and collaboration between people. And so we feel that one of the things that is really important to do today is to actually go back to the first principles of music, the simple interaction between friends who want to do something together.”
Yo-Yo Ma
For more information on the Beethoven For Three show and to purchase tickets, click here.
City Parks Foundation has announced the 2024 season of Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, New York City’s iconic outdoor performing arts festival, bringing 85 free and benefit shows to Central Park and 13 neighborhood parks across the five boroughs.
Returning for its 38 year, the festival will once again showcase established and emerging artists from across the globe, highlighting forward-thinking women pushing boundaries, featuring a multitude of genres including jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, salsa, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global, and contemporary dance, to name just a few.
SummerStage is committed to gender and racial equity in its programming, and in 2023, more than 80% of their season lineup featured artists who identified as people of color and more than half of the acts included women or artists who identify as genders other than male.
Neighborhood parks hosting SummerStage this season include Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy and The Coney Island Amphitheater on the boardwalk in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park in Staten Island, and SummerStage’s flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.
SummerStage is back for another incredible season of free performances. It’s always an honor to bring a lineup of both established and rising artists that celebrate the rich cultural fabric of our neighborhoods across the city to parks, all for free. Enjoying live music while outside in a park is one of the most joyful and memorable opportunities we can offer to New Yorkers, bringing neighbors and communities together for what is always a very special, shared experience.
Heather Lubov, Executive Director of City Parks Foundation
Opening the SummerStage 2024 season on Saturday, June 1 in Central Park will be a free performance by GRAMMY-winning and Oscar-nominated soul singer Andra Day in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival.
The season’s free shows in Central Park will showcase an exhilarating array of established and emerging artists from across the music spectrum. Rock music icon Kim Gordon and the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra will bring an electrifying show when they take the stage on June 13; THE AUSSIE BBQ will return on June 15 highlighting the latest sounds of Australia from Jebediah, Last Dinosaurs, and more. Additional highlights include Corinne Bailey Rae and Dixson on June 16, London drummer The Yussef Dayes Experience showcasing his unique experimental style alongside interpretive contemporary jazz bassist and vocalist Aneesa Strings on June 22, and singer-songwriter and GRAMMY winner Madison Cunningham performing on July 1.
The annual Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) will celebrate the Latin GRAMMYs’ 25 Anniversary with performances by Colombian music star Fonseca and Spain’s captivating new flamenco singer Israel Fernández on July 10 in Central Park, while French sounds will take center stage for Bastille Day in association with the Consulate General of France on July 14, showcasing performances by Laurie Darmon, Magic System, and other guests.
Arooj Aftab, the first Pakistani-American woman to win a GRAMMY, known for weaving Urdu ghazals and poetry into electronic soundscapes, will perform on July 24. On July 28, Catalan Sounds On Tour will return to Central Park with Sidonie and the Balkan Paradise Orchestra; and Show Dem Camp returns with the Palmwine Festival NYC featuring the Cavemen & Friends in association with Move Forward Music on Aug. 17.
Brazilian Day will once again bring a lineup of artists on Aug. 22 with samba legend Alcione, Larissa Luz, DJ Malfeitona, and a film screening of Gerson King Combo in association with the 28 Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival. The 2024 season in Central Park will close with a special celebration of the WNYC and Friends Centennial on Sept. 9.
Photo by Rob Tellerman.
SummerStage 2024 will once again take fans globe-trotting through the five boroughs of New York, presenting an array of world rhythms. Shows in neighborhood parks will include the Godfather of Salsa Andy Montañez and salsa star Charlie Cruz showcasing the stylings of Puerto Rico at theConey Island Amphitheater on June 15. DJ Rekha returns to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens for their acclaimed Basement Bhangra dance partywith Priya Ragu, Ami Dang, and moreon July 20. Ghanafest-NY will return to Crotona Park on Aug. 3 with King Promise, Dan Price The Artist, and DJ Faddah to showcase contemporary West African and Nigerian music.
This year’s festival will continue to highlight the birthplace of hip-hop with shows throughout the boroughs including the return of MIKE’S Young World IV featuring Earl Sweatshirt, Myaap, Sideshow, and more on July 13 and the Chuck Chillout 40th Radio Anniversary Party featuring Ice T, MOP, Schoolly D, Peter Gunz, Lord Tariq, and more hosted by Ralph McDaniels on Aug. 1, both in Bed-Stuy’s Herbert Von King Park. On Aug. 18, hip-hop legends will take over two boroughs: Special Uptown Edition: Celebrating 40 years of Red Alert & Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box will be in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park and Funk Flex will celebrate his birthdaywith performances by Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Maseo, and more in Central Park.
We are thrilled to once again celebrate the vibrant diversity of New York City’s cultures and communities across all five boroughs. Our lineup will shine a bright spotlight on some of music’s most iconic female artists who have made an impact in their genres, from rock and New Orleans soul scions to Dominican merengue and Brazilian samba legends. We are continuing to support rising artists from around the world who are showcasing their fresh takes on various genres like hip-hop, Americana, rock, Latin, pop, and more. 2024 promises to be an unforgettable season!
Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage.
The independent performing arts organization Works & Process will return for a second season collaborating with SummerStage to showcase the art of dance. Dance performances will kick off with It’s Showtime NYC! alongside the Maimouna Keita African Dance Company and Kash Gaines’s Caged Birds in Herbert Von King Park, Brooklynon July 11. The Missing Element featuring the Beatbox House will serve as the 2024 dance Artist in Residence, performing at select shows throughout the season.
SummerStage 2024 is delighted to return for six free shows at The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn. In addition to Andy Montañez in association with La Megaon June 15, shows include The Federation Sound 25 Anniversary featuring the first lady of dancehall Sister Nancy, Tanto Metro & Devonte, and FriendsonJuly 7, the Oldies is Back in Brooklyn showfeaturing The Platters former lead singer Frank Pizarro, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters with Jeff Hall and many others on July 14.
Brooklyn rapper, Coney Island local, and viral internet sensation NEMS presenting GORILLAFEST featuring Ghostface Killah, DJ Tony Touch, and more on Aug. 4, and on Aug.11, NYC’s iconic R&B radio station WBLS will host its 50 Anniversary Celebration with Jon B, Vivian Green, Meli’sa Morgan, Horace Brown, Jeff Redd, and Funk Flex. Closing the Coney Island season will be The Chol Hamoed Spectacular: The Yeshiva Boys Choir presented in association with EG Productions onOct. 20.
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, New York City’s annual salute to the late saxophonist, will return in its 32 year for a three-day celebration of live jazz in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived, including Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Running Aug. 23 to Aug. 25, this year’s lineup will bring together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists including the Christian McBride Big Band and Wallace Roney Jr in partnership with Jazzmobile; Carmen Lundy, and Helen Sung with Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few; Louis Hayes, Ekep Nkwelle, and Alexis Lombre with sounds by DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener among others.
The 2024 SummerStage season will also feature ticketed benefit shows in Central Park to help support the City Parks Foundation’s free performances. Artists include English singer-songwriter James Arthur on May 17; Trinidadian soca group KES on June 8; Jamaican-American R&B artist Masego on June 19; prolific American rapper and record producer T-Pain on June 23; a joint experience featuring legendary Mexican rock bands Caifanes and Café Tacvba on June 26.
Other acts include Indie singer-songwriter Ethel Cain on June 27; three nights of pride celebrations featuring Trixie Mattell, Above & Beyond, and others from June 28 through June 30; American rock/folk band Counting Crows on July 11; Irish rock band The Saw Doctors on July 17; a South African amapiano dance party from Piano People on July 27; contemporary worship music collective Elevation Worship on July 31; genre-bending jazz and R&B stars Robert Glasper featuring Yebba on Aug. 1; David Cross and his Super Pals on Aug. 8; alternative rock bands The Gaslight Anthem, Joyce Manor and Pinkshift on Aug. 21; and hip-hop band The Roots with Jungle Brothers and Digable Planets on Aug. 23.
For more information about SummerStage 2024 and the full lineup, visit here.
SummerStage 2024 Lineup
Fri, May 17 5:00 PM
James Arthur Central Park Benefit
Sat, Jun 1 6:00 PM
OPENING NIGHT: Andra Day in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Subaru Music Series Central Park Free
Sat, Jun 8 5:00 PM
KES Central Park Benefit
Thu, Jun 13 5:00 PM
Kim Gordon / Sun Ra Arkestra / Slauson Malone 1
Central Park Free
Subaru Music Series
Sat, Jun 15 4:00 PM
THE AUSSIE BBQ: Jebediah / Last Dinosaurs/ Northeast Party House / Sheppard / Sycco/ Thelma Plum in Association with Sounds Australia and the American Australian Association
Central Park Free
Sat, Jun 15 5:00 PM
Andy Montañez / Charlie Cruz / People of Earth / La Mega DJ in association with 97.9 La Mega
Coney Island Amphitheater Free
Sun, Jun 16 6:00 PM
Corinne Bailey Rae / Dixson in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Central Park Free
Tue, Jun 18 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Chang, Michael Sumuel
Central Park Free
Wed, Jun 19 5:00 PM
Masego / Jordan Ward Central Park Benefit
Thu, Jun 20 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Chang, Michael Sumuel
Brooklyn Bridge Park Free
Sat, Jun 22 5:00 PM
The Yussef Dayes Experience / Aneesa Strings / Dana and Alden in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Central Park Free
Sun, Jun 23 6:30 PM T-Pain’s Mansion in Wiscansin Tour Central Park Benefit
Mon, Jun 24 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Jackie Robinson Park Free
Wed, Jun 26 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Williamsbridge Oval Free
Wed, Jun 26 6:00 PM
Caifanes + Café Tacvba Central Park Benefit
Thu, Jun 27 5:00 PM
Ethel Cain with Special Guest Teethe Central Park Benefit [SOLD OUT]
Fri, Jun 28 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Socrates Sculpture Park Free
Fri, Jun 28 5:30 PM
Utopia Pride: Above & Beyond and Spencer Brown
Central Park Benefit
Sat, Jun 29 5:00 PM
Pride Disco with Trixie Matell, Amanda Lepore, and Jess King
Central Park Benefit
Sun, Jun 30 3:00 PM
Dreamland Pride Central Park Benefit
Mon, Jul 1 5:00 PM
Madison Cunningham / LA LOM / John-Robert / Corrente: Beatriz Mira & Tiago Barreiros Central Park Free
Sun, Jul 7 5:00 PM
Ezra Collective / Celeste / Da Chick DJ in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Central Park Free
Sun, Jul 7 5:00 PM
Federation Sound 25th Anniversary featuring Sister Nancy / Tanto Metro & Devonte and friends
Coney Island Amphitheater Free
Wed, Jul 10 6:00 PM
LAMC and Latin GRAMMY 25th Anniversary: Fonseca / Israel Fernández / Bruses
Central Park Free
Thu, Jul 11 5:00 PM
Counting Crows Subaru Music Series Central Park Benefit
Thu, Jul 11 6:00 PM
Works & Process: It’s Showtime NYC! / Maimouna Keita African Dance Company / Kash Gaines’s Caged Birds
Herbert Von King Park Free
Fri, Jul 12 6:00 PM
Sounds of Detroit: Celebrating 50 years of J Dilla feat. The Pharcyde / Slum Village / Breakbeat Lou in association with Fusicology & Future x Sounds
Herbert Von King Park Free
Sat, Jul 13 5:00 PM
LAMC: BRESH Central Park Free
Sat, Jul 13 4:00 PM
MIKE’s Young World IV: Earl Sweatshirt / Myaap / Sideshow / Stahhr / Stacy Epps
Herbert Von King Park Free
Sun, Jul 14
TBD Lineup to be announced
Herbert Von King Park Free
Sun, Jul 14 4:00 PM
GOLDEN OLDIES ON THE BOARDWALK: Oldies is Back in Brooklyn Feat. The Platters former lead singer Frank Pizarro / Charlie Thomas’ Drifters with Jeff Hall / The Marvelettes / Bill Haley Jr’s Comets / Johnny Farina / The Excellents / The Chiclettes / Vinnie Medugno / Hosted by JoeCausi WCBS FM and Sal Abbatiello FeverRecords / Music by The Coda Band
Coney IslandAmphitheater Free
Sun, Jul 14, 5:00 PM
Bastille Day: IAM / Magic System / The Avener / Laurie Darmon / Femi the Scorpion in association with the Consulate General of France
Central Park Free
Wed, Jul 17 5:00 PM
The Saw Doctors / The Coronas Central Park Benefit
Sat, Jul 20 5:00 PM
DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Beyond: Priya Ragu / DJ Rekha / Ami Dang / Lady Pista + Guests
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Free
Sun, Jul 21 TBD Lineup to be announced
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Sun, Jul 21 6:00 PM
Proyecto Uno / Milly Quezada / DJ Miquelito & Excarlet Molina in association with 97.9 La Mega Central Park Free
Wed, Jul 24 5:00 PM
Arooj Aftab / Sid Sriram / EMEL Central Park Free
Sat, Jul 27 3:00 PM
Piano People in the Park: Scorpion Kings / DBN GoGo / Kelvin MoMo / DJ Moma / DJ
Tunez Central Park Benefit
Sun, Jul 28 5:00 PM
Catalan Sounds On Tour: Sidonie / Balkan Paradise Orchestra / Lau Noah / DJ Turmix in association with the Institut Ramon Llull
Central Park Free
Wed, Jul 31 6:00 PM
Elevation Worship: Praise Party! Central Park Benefit
Thu, Aug 1 6:00 PM
Chuck Chillout 40th Radio Anniversary Party: Ice T / MOP / Schoolly D / PeterGunz & Lord Tariq / Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud / CL Smooth / Joeski Love / D.J. Breakout / Funky Four + 1 More / Ultramagnetic MCs / DJ Chuck Chillout & Crotona Park Free Kool Chip / NINE / Al B. Sure! / Music by Funk Flex / Hosted By Ralph McDaniels & Bugsy Buggs
Thu, Aug 1 5:00 PM
Blue Note Presents: Robert Glasper Featuring Yebba Central Park Benefit
Fri, Aug 2 6:00 PM
Tedsmooth’s Freestyle Jam feat. Coro / C-Bank / DJ Serg / Anthony Mangini / Tedsmooth / Strafe Crotona Park Free
Sat, Aug 3 5:00 PM
The Originals Central Park Free
Sat, Aug 3 6:00 PM
King Promise / Dan Price the Artist / DJ Faddah in association with GhanaFest-NY Crotona Park Free
Sun, Aug 4
TBD Lineup to be announced Crotona Park Free
Sun, Aug 4 5:00 PM
Galactic featuring Irma Thomas / The
Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr
Central Park Free
Sun, Aug 4 4:00 PM
NEMS Presents: GORILLAFEST Featuring Ghostface Killah / DJ Drewski & Friends /Statik Selektah / Scram Jones / Tony Touch and Friends
Coney Island Amphitheater Free
Thu, Aug 8 6:30 PM
David Cross and Super Pals featuring Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Silverman, Fred Armisen, Zach Zucker, Sean Patton and more TBA Central Park Benefit
Sat, Aug 10 6:00 PM
VP Records 45th Anniversary Central Park Free
Sun, Aug 11 5:00 PM
WBLS 50th Anniversary Celebration: Jon B / Vivian Green / Meli’sa Morgan / Horace Brown / Jeff Redd / Funk Flex
Coney Island Amphitheater Free
Sun, Aug 11
TBD Lineup to be announced
Stapleton Waterfront Park Free
Thu, Aug 15
TBD Lineup to be announced
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Fri, Aug 16
TBD Lineup to be announced
Marcus GarveyPark Free
Sat, Aug 17 5:00 PM
Palmwine Festival NYC: Show Dem Camp feat. The Cavemen & Friends in association with Move Forward Music Central Park Free
Sat, Aug 17 6:00 PM
The Soapbox Presents: The Life of the Party
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Sun, Aug 18 5:00 PM
Special Uptown Edition: Celebrating 40 years of Red Alert & Ralph McDaniels VideoMusic Box
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Sun, Aug 18 6:00 PM
Funk Flex Birthday Party with Live performances by Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Maseo & Funk Flex Central Park Free
Wed, Aug 21 5:00 PM
The Gaslight Anthem / Joyce Manor /
Pinkshift Central Park Benefit
Thu, Aug 22 5:00 PM
Brazilian Day: Alcione / Larissa Luz / DJ
Malfeitona / Film screening: “Gerson King Combo” in association with 28th Inffini to Brazilian Film Festival Central Park Free
Fri, Aug 23 5:00 PM
Hip-Hop Is The LOML Tour: The Roots ft.
Jungle Brothers / Digable Planets
Subaru Music Series Central Park Benefit
Fri, Aug 23 7:00 PM
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Christian
McBride Big Band / Wallace Roney Jr in
partnership with Jazzmobile
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Sat, Aug 24 3:00 PM
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Carmen Lundy
/ Helen Sung / Isaiah Collier & the Chosen
Few / Tyreek McDole / DJ KulturedChild aka
Angelika Beener
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Sun, Aug 25 3:00 PM
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Louis Hayes /
SuperBlue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter ft.
Huntertones / Ekep Nkwelle / Alexis Lombre
/ DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener
Tompkins Square Park Free
Tue, Aug 27 5:00 PM
Snail Mail / Tim Heidecker / Fenne Lily Central Park Free
Mon, Sep 9 6:00 PM
WNYC and Friends Centennial Celebration Central Park Free
Sun, Oct 20 1:00 PM
The Chol Hamoed Spectacular: The Yeshiva
Boys Choir presented in association with EG productions
Long Island alternative/punk band Bad Mary has announced the release of their re-recorded mix of “Better Days” on April 23. The band also announced six live dates, three of which in New York.
The song is the second release from their Better(er) Days EP, which is a collection of re-recorded and remixed versions of the songs from their first album Better Days. The re-release celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the debut album.
The group is composed of Mike Staub, Amanda Mac, Bill Mac, and David Henderson. Together, Bad Mary brings the heat with their alt-punk attitude. The group showcases nasty basslines, strong, catchy riffs, and a frontwoman with an uplifting yet seductive vocal style.
The track is released with a new music video, and a few live shows to celebrate the drop. Bad Mary sees three dates in New York on April 26, June 8, and July 5. The band performs two shows at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, Long Island followed by a stop at Arlene’s Grocery in Manhattan.
The single, “Better Days” is a tune about the shortcomings, the setbacks, and the misfortunes in life. It is a theme every individual can get behind. The song is hopeful and encourages you to keep your head up and look forward to those better days.
“’Better Days’ is a song about trying your hardest and just feeling like nothing is working out. We’ve all been there. We as people… we overthink, we feel paralyzed, we can feel like nothing is going our way – but the only thing to do is keep moving forward and hope that there are better (or maybe even betterER) days ahead. This song continues to mean more to me every day, and I love that it’s been with us since the beginning,”
Vocalist Amanda Mac
Better(er) Days will be released in the summer of 2024. The band is currently writing and recording new songs to be released later this year. Along with this, Bad Mary is still adding live dates to their list of shows this year.
See them live:
April 26 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY
May 17 at SpiFest in Windsor, CT
May 23 at The Fire in Philadelphia, PA
June 8 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY
July 5 at Arlene’s Grocery in New York, NY
July 24 at The Middle East in Boston, MA
For more information on Bad Mary, their upcoming music and dates, click here. Make sure to stay up to date on the band’s upcoming album Better(er) Days, releasing this Spring.
Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes has announced its season finale concert, “A Grand Gershwin Celebration” which will take place on May 11 at the Clemens Center in Elmira, NY.
The series finale concert will feature a stellar line up of soloists including Lynnesha Crump on soprano, Fred Redd on baritone, and Bryan Pezzone on piano, and also feature music from the highly requested Porgy & Bess. In Addition, the soloists will be holding master classes for students and the public on May 9 on piano and May 10 on vocal, fans can sign up for the email newsletter to be notified when details are available.
As a part of the education infusion initiative, the OSFL will also hold two events for the general public to “Meet the Soloists” on May 9 at 1:00 PM. The consummate crossover pianist, Bryan Pezzone will give an engaging presentation about his diverse career path including his Hollywood gigs recording major films (Disney movies, WB cartoons, AAA games, Harry Potter, Frozen, Star Wars and hundreds more). At the piano, Pezzone will also demonstrate his fusion of jazz, classical, modern and more, including improvisation across genres. This event will be hosted at Corning Painted Post High School. Visitors should RSVP in advance at OSFL.org and arrive early to sign in at the school office.
In addition, a vocal master class will be led by Fredrick Redd on Friday, May 10 at 4:00-5:30 at North Presbyterian Church at 921 College Ave., Elmira. An engineer, triathlete and “compelling vocal actor” (London’s Opera Now), Redd has performed principal roles with opera companies throughout the US and made his New York City Opera debut in the Emmy-nominated Porgy & Bess performances. Both events are free to attend.
Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes will host their season finale concert “A Grand Gershwin Celebration” on May 11 at the Clemens Center in Elmira, NY. Fans can find tickets at ClemensCenter.org or 607-734-8191.
